Saturday, December 27, 2008

Resolutions to Consider by God's Grace

Every year I review Jonathan Edwards 70 resolutions to challenge my walk with God

I understand we can only accomplish what we reslove to accomplish by God's grace alone

Here are his first 20 resolutions
(he was 19 years old)


1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

God's Faithfulness

I am excited about this coming year
While the world is worried about the current financial crisis
God has and will provide for His people at Calvary Santa Fe

When I came to Santa Fe the church was in shambles, I inherited a $250,000.00 lawsuit, and a church that was devastated by the adultery of the former pastor

When we moved to our new building giving went down 80%

Did God want our church to endure? Yes He has provided

Five years later we are still here and stronger than ever
Stronger? God by His grace has allowed us to cultivate unity, and the resolve to endure our current trial (My Illness)

Some have tried to make this trial harder by criticizing the pastors who have stepped up
Thank you Vic and Issac for answering the call, using your gifts and taking the shots

In spite of the dissenters desire to discourage, God is sovereign and what they intend for evil God intends for good
This will only make our leadership stronger - Romans 8:28

We have a lot to do in Santa Fe
The pastors and deacons will reveal New Years eve the vision for 2009

Please pray for 2009 that God will bless us with much fruit

Pastor Paul

Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Gospel

What is the Gospel?
The gospel is not something man made up or a well-informed opinion, but is good news directly revealed from Almighty God regarding what He has done in Jesus Christ to rescue all those who have called on His name. Yes, it is a divine rescue, a complete deliverance ... not advice, not a moral improvement program, nor a philosophy of life, since we need sovereign mercy, not assistance. The whole frame of the house is rotten and corrupt and nothing of the old frame will serve; all must be made new. Our fallen condition and darkened heart has rendered us unwilling, powerless and impotent to even lift a finger toward our own salvation. So all you poor and broken hearted, (the spiritual bankrupt who have lost all confidence in their own efforts) ... abandon despair and banish your laments because of what the Highest has done this day in sending the Eternal Son, Jesus Christ the Messiah to deliver His people from their sins.

The gospel is not about any merit I have on my own, but is based upon Jesus' merit alone. It is not what we have done for Jesus, but what Jesus has done for us (Rom 5:19, 2 Cor 5:21, Phil 2:8).

Where Adam failed, Jesus prevailed. It is God's promise to us, not our ability to keep our promise to Him. In the covenant rainbow sign with Noah, God says He "remembers" never to flood the world this way again, so likewise in the covenant in Christ's blood, God "remembers" not to treat us as we justly deserve for our sins.

The mystery of God has been made manifest in the Person and work of the Son, who, in his wrath absorbing sacrifice, frees the prisoners, gives sight to the blind, breaks loose the chains and changes hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. We were taken captive to do Satan's will and could not escape until Christ set us free. In other words, Christ, in His cross work, does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He lived the perfect life that we should have lived and died the death we should have died, in order to free us so that we might then proclaim His excellencies, make known his gospel and spread justice and mercy to the poor.

Dr. Tim Keller once said "...the gospel is news about what God has already been done for you, rather than instruction and advice about what you are to do for God. The primacy of his work, not our work, is part of the essence of faith. In other religions, God reveals to us how we can find or achieve salvation. In Christianity, God achieves salvation for us. The gospel brings news primarily, rather than instruction. " ...the gospel is all about historic events, and thus it has a public character. "It identifies Christian faith as news that has significance for all people, indeed for the whole world, not merely as esoteric understanding or insight." [Brownson, p. 46] ...if Jesus is not risen from the dead, Christianity does not "work". The gospel is that Jesus died and rose for us. If the historic events of his life did not happen, then Christianity does not "work" for the good news is that God has entered the human "now" (history) with the life of the world to come....the gospel is news about what God has done in history to save us, rather than advice about what we must do to reach God. The gospel is news that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in history has achieved our salvation...Jesus does not just bring good news; he is the good news."

Jesus is Lord and creator - the only rightful king of all creation ... king of all things both seen and unseen. To those who worship the false idols of their hearts (any God-replacement) take heed ... Jesus will soon be invading with His armies and will overthrow his enemies and all injustice with the breath of His mouth.

But He is offering pardon in advance of His invasion to all those who receive Him (John 1:12, 13). Those who have joined themselves to Him now before He invades will be considered His ally and He will raise them up to be co-heirs with Christ as sons. The alternative is to be under the wrath of the king. We herald this announcement: that the True King is on the throne and he'll be invading.

The gospel is not merely an invitation it is a command to all those going their own ways. Will you heed the command?

Jesus is Lord, repent and believe." But because of the blindness sin has cast over us, Jesus says, no one can believe in Him unless the Father grants it through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (John 6:63-65). So those who, by the grace of God, trust in Jesus and His work can be assured, on the sure testimony of Scripture, that their sins are forgiven and have the promise of God: eternal life.

To Summarize:
Man was created to glorify God & Enjoy Him forever
"Worthy are you, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things." (Rev 4:11) "Do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31)

Man has failed to glorify God & is under His just condemnation
"For all have sinned..." (Rom 3:23) The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23) "These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction" (2 Thes 1:9)

Jesus fully bore the wrath and suffered the punishment sinners deserve
Not wishing that sinners perish forever, God determined to save a people for Himself in the Eternal Son who became a man and lived the life we should have lived and died the death we justly deserve. God loves sinners and sent His Son to be the wrath absorbing sacrifice for their sin (1 John 4:10; John 6:37) he "...gave His life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45) & "rose again" from the dead (2 Cor 5:15) on their behalf.

All who, by the grace of God, turn to Jesus in submissive faith are forgiven
If you confess you are a sinner in need of Christ then God has begun to work in you a life-changing, eternally satisfying relationship with Himself! "Repent and believe the gospel (Mk 1:5) "In Your presnece is fullness of Joy (Ps 16:11). If your trust is in Jesus alone for your salvation (that is, you have no hope save for Christ's mercy) then you can be assured that your sins are forgiven and He has granted you eternal life.

Found this on the web
Pastor Paul

Friday, December 5, 2008

A Call For Community

One of the challenges we have as pastors today is how to promote community to the congregation

People it seems “don’t have time” to attend home fellowships, pray services, etc

I often wonder if this “excuse” is a valid one since it is the bible that instructs us to live in community

Salvation is God's doing, therefore if we love Him for first loving us we will keep His commandments
• John 14:21 21He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
• Ephesians 1:2-6 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
• 1 Corinthians 6:20 20For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
• Colossians 1:13-14 13He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Brothers and sisters what is God's motivation for commanding us to fellowship?
• Mark 12:32-33 32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
• John 13:34-35 34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
• Acts 2:42 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
• Romans 12:10 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
• Hebrews 10:25 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Here are some reasons why
1 It is not good for man to be alone. God is triune, the Father, Son and Spirit, therefore God is a God of community

2 We are created in God's image and likeness and are therefore created for living in loving community

3 Support – If we are not living in loving community how then can we be ministered to? Another words if I don’t know what you struggle with, how can I use my gifts to support you?

4 Care - If we are not living in loving community how then can we be ministered to? Another words if I don’t know what your needs are, how can I use my gifts to care for you?

5 Accountability - If we are not living in loving community how then can we be ministered to?
Another words if I don’t know what you struggle with, how can I use my gifts to hold you accountable and help you overcome the sin in your life in love?

So, for those of you who “don’t have time” …….. Repent, if you are a Christian you will change your mind and live in loving community by attending a home fellowship, opening up your home to the brethren, and or, signing up for dinner for 8

Pastor Paul

Monday, November 24, 2008

Thanksgiving

I would first and foremost thank Jesus Christ for His grace towards me the chief of sinners

I am so thankful for my wife and children for remaining faithful and full of love during this difficult time

I am so thankful to the staff and deacons at Calvary
Thank you for your faithfulness

I am so thankful to all of those who volunteer and serve our church
You are awesome, thank you

I am so thankful for the church body Christ has given me
You are faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
You are godly, holy and humble
You have supported the assistant pastors as they use their gifts to preach the word

In the midst of our trial I want to thank you Calvary Santa Fe

Please continue to pray for God's will for our church

Pastor Paul

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Ministry Opportunities

I have been starving for an opportunity to minister lately

God has been faithful

I had an opportunity to minister to three correctional officers on Wednesday night

He also gave me the opportunity to minister to a homeless young man at Olive Garden tonight
(11-14-08)

Twenty eight years old and on the streets

I preached the gospel to him and he received Christ

To God be the glory!!!

Pray for Mark, that he finds a church when he gets back to California

Pastor Paul

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Going To Mayo???

Praise God!!!!! He by His grace has provided

My primary care Doc has given me a referral to the Mayo clinic

Now we need to pray that the insurance company approves it

If and when they do I then will make an appointment with the Mayo

Please pray that this will happen soon

Pastor Paul

Friday, November 7, 2008

Update

I went to two neurologists over the last week they say I have Parkinson’s “like” symptoms
but it doesn't account for the “other” symptoms (Numbness, Vertigo, Pain)

I’ve been recommended to the Mayo clinic once again

I can’t tell you how challenging this trial is
Not being able to teach is the hardest part of this trial

It is my passion, my privilege, and my life

Thank you for standing with me Calvary Santa Fe!!!
Thank you for your resolve in this time of testing

My hope is that God will resolve this soon

Pastor Paul

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Answering Questions

I know there may be some who have questions as to what the future maybe for my role at Calvary

I would love to address any questions or concerns

Pastor Paul

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Praise God For His Grace

God gave us a half hour together last night
What a privilege it was to teach the word of God for a half hour
Oh it was difficult! But God was glorified!!

How you may ask?
I don’t deserve one minute
We don’t deserve one minute
We deserve the wrath of God
Yet, He gave us His grace last night
He gave us a half hour

And not only that but there will come a day when He will give us forever, eternal life

God is Good, God has a purpose for this trial…….Amen?

Jesus loves us more than we can imagine
Lets trust Him, love Him, and praise Him

Pastor Paul

Friday, October 10, 2008

Salt and Light

The church is to be salt and light Jesus said

Matthew 5:13-16 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Are we truly living to the glory of God?

Are we truly living lives that show this hell bound world the love of Jesus?

We should be!!!!

The teachers said, “Boys here’s a watch. What is it for?” the children answered, “to tell time.” “Well,” he said, “suppose my watch does not tell time. What is it good for?” “good for nothing, sir.”

Then the teacher asked, “What is the chief end of man?” and they replied, “to glorify God.” “but suppose a man doesn't glorify God. What is he good for?” “good for nothing, sir.”

He gave His all, He died on the cross, He set us free, let’s give our all for His glory and be good for His kingdom.

Amen?

Pastor Paul

Saturday, October 4, 2008

A Little History

In June of 2006 Wendy, Samuel, Cameron and myself were in Florida visiting my mom (Grace) and three brothers (Mark, Brian and Troy). After three years of taking over Calvary Santa Fe I was tired and stressed.

I took over the church June 29th 2003 after the pastor committed adultery nine months earlier destroying the church.
The pastor who took over was put through the mill (death threats, personal attacks) and had felt the calling away from the church.

The Friday before the first Sunday I taught at Calvary Santa Fe I received a phone call. The man on the other end of the phone said “if you teach this Sunday it will be your last… Watch your back”.

That was the beginning of three years of hardship and heartbreak.

At the same time Calvary Albuquerque had pastoral issues and I was on the board of directors. Stress, stress, stress!!!!

So, I was in Florida taking my first vacation in three years and started to get numbness on the right side of my face. I just shook it off and didn’t think much about it, until I got back to Santa Fe. The numbness came on throughout my whole body very strong and very painful, my vision also changed (light sensitivity) These persist even now.

For the last two years I have seen many doctors with no diagnosis. MRI’s, CT Scans, X-rays and a Spinal Tap has doctors baffled.

By God's grace I have been able to teach Wednesdays, and Sundays for the last two years.

On Sunday August 24th 2008 I was unable to continue half way through the first service.

I am now suffering from vertigo on top of all the other issues.

I am pursuing new doctors and new tests having a strong desire to get back in the pulpit.

My faith is strong in Jesus!!

I trust Him, love Him, adore Him, worship Him

He is good, He is great, Praise Him with me Brothers and Sisters

Please pray for myself and my family.

Please pray for our church.

The church is healthy and strong, healed and godly.

God has blessed Calvary Santa Fe.

Pray for Vic, Issac, Woody, and Ken who have stepped up big time. For Krista, Julianne and Chandalee who are so valuable to the ministry.

I praise God for all He has and will accomplish in our church.

That’s where you the congregation comes in.

Serve Jesus by serving one another, support the church prayerfully and financially.

Step up and live out what we have been taught about God's goodness in the midst of suffering.

Live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am praying for you daily.

All For His Glory

Pastor Paul

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Encouragement

For those who are responding to this blog.......Thank you!!!

I need the brethren

I need to keep my eyes on Jesus

Your encouragement reminds me of the goodness and grace of God

Praise the Lord of grace!!!!

Pastor Paul

Monday, September 29, 2008

I Miss You

Brothers and Sisters

I’m going to see a specialist in October
There is still no diagnosis, but God has a plan

Please seek Him with all you have and ask Him how this trail is going to change you into Christ's image

I miss you so much

I am studying everyday getting ready to come back to the pulpit

But more than that, I am growing in His grace, learning to trust Him with everything

Pastor Paul

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Good Days and Bad

Yesterday 9/24/08 was an awesome day!!
Praise the Lord
I opened up the service with prayer
And sat through Issacs great teaching in first John
Even got to minister afterwards

Today on the other hand has not been a good day
Please pray for patient endurance
God's grace is sufficient
My God be glorified in my weaknesses

All for His Glory

Pastor Paul

Monday, September 22, 2008

Email from Pastor Paul to the church

Good morning Calvary Santa Fe and good evening Pena Blanca

I want to let you know what is going on with my health and my return to the pulpit. As you know my health took a turn for the worse on Sunday August 24th. I am doing all I can by God's grace to obtain a diagnosis, seeing new doctors, having tests done, etc. As I continue to regain some strength I will attend church services and eventually teach again. I can't say exactly when that will be, but God's timing is perfect - Amen?

In the meantime please honor God's sovereign plan by growing in godliness, holiness and humility. Be patient with the process, and ask God to bless this time I am away. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Don't allow the enemy to distract you with worrying about tomorrow. Jesus said Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." He also said He would build His church and the gates of Hades would not prevail. I completely trust the Lord in the midst of my suffering, please do the same, and pray for myself, Wendy , Samuel, and Cameron.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls-Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

We have a blog site at calvarypastors.blogspot.com, I will be posting my progress on the site as well as here in our church. I love you with all of my heart, and look forward to returning to the pulpit soon.

All for His glory,
Paul